Neutron Production at Mountain Altitudes

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Abstract
The rate of production of neutrons by cosmic rays was measured at 3510 meters elevation in lead, aluminum, and paraffin, and in paraffin at 1640 meters elevation by means of an ionization chamber filled with boron trifluoride. The variation with elevation for production in paraffin differs slightly from that in the heavier elements, but agrees well with observations by other observers of the production in air at higher altitudes and with the variation of extensive showers. The neutrons are produced with a larger multiplicity in lead than in paraffin. Comparison with measurements of star production in photographic plates results in the value of 3 to 6 neutrons per star. Bursts of ionization resulting from other cosmic-ray phenomena were also observed.